Application of Side Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymers Containing Azo Dye Unit to Optical Information Recording Materials

Abstract

Novel side chain liquid crystalline poly(malonic ester)s with two symmetrical mesogens containing azobenzene unit were found to be excellent as reversible optical information recording media for data storage and retrieval through a trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene units by ultra-violet (UV) irradiation and thermal process. The sensitivity of information recording was dependent not only on the thickness of the polymeric thin film used but on the intensity of writing beam. The resolution of the information stored in liquid crystalline phase became better as UV irradiation time was increased and it was stable for over one year at room temperature.